If you’ve been job searching lately, you know how overwhelming it can feel. The market is competitive, applications are piling up by the thousands, and it’s easy to wonder, “Is anyone even seeing my resume?”
The truth is—yes, people are getting hired. Every day. But the ones who are landing interviews and offers in 2025? They’re doing things a little differently.
As a career coach who’s helped over 300 multi-passionate professionals land aligned roles (yes, even during tough markets), I’m here to break down what’s actually working this year without the fluff or outdated advice.
Let’s dive into the best job search strategies in 2025.
1. Apply Quickly—Speed Really Matters
Here’s the reality: most job postings are getting hundreds, even thousands, of applicants within days. And because companies often review resumes on a rolling basis, the first batch they receive usually gets the most attention.
That means timing matters more than ever.
Set up job alerts for the roles or companies you care about, and aim to apply within the first 24–48 hours of a posting going live. Have your resume and cover letter templates ready so you’re not starting from scratch each time.
This small shift can put you ahead of the pack, literally. Applying quickly is one of the most effective job search strategies in 2025 that candidates can use to stand out. It helps your resume land in front of decision-makers before the competition grows.
2. Use Referrals to Get In the Door
Job referrals still work and in 2025, they matter more than ever. Internal referrals are one of the most reliable ways to get your resume looked at and land interviews faster.
Ask people in your network if they know someone at the company. This could be a friend, former colleague, someone in an online community, or even someone you follow on LinkedIn.
If you find someone before applying, you can ask them to submit your resume internally. If you apply first, send a quick note: “Hey! I just applied to [X role] at [Company]. I noticed you work there—would you feel comfortable passing along my resume?”
If you’re wondering how to get a referral in a competitive job market, remember: a warm introduction still outperforms cold applications.
3. Reach Out Immediately After You Apply
A lot of job seekers think their work ends once they hit “submit” on a job application. But in 2025’s competitive market, what you do right after you apply can make or break your chances of getting seen.
Reaching out to the hiring manager or recruiter immediately after applying is one of the most effective job hunting techniques right now, but only if you do it well. I say this with love: 90% of job seekers are doing it wrong.
A hiring manager on LinkedIn shared that they received over 500 InMails for a single product manager role, and most of them actually hurt the candidate’s chances because of how generic and mismatched the messages were. Here’s what hiring managers are really looking for:
✉️ Template to Reach Out to a Recruiter or Hiring Manager
Mention the position
“I just applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I saw you were the [recruiter/hiring manager], so I wanted to reach out and introduce myself.”
Share why you applied + 1–3 highlights from your experience
Briefly connect your background to what they’re hiring for. Focus on relevant wins, results, or experience.
Attach your resume + cover letter + job reference # (if applicable)
This saves them time and increases the chance your application gets reviewed.
Add a closing statement
“I’d love to connect and see if it’s a good fit for us both! Please let me know if you’re available within the next week to speak further.”
This step alone has helped many of my clients move from application to interview—simply by being early and intentional. Using social media to find jobs and connect with recruiters works best when you personalize your approach and follow up professionally.
Want plug-and-play templates to make your outreach easier (and way more effective)?
Check out my signature job search course, Your Story Is Your Superpower. It’s packed with proven scripts and real examples for messaging recruiters, hiring managers, and asking for referrals—so you’re never stuck staring at a blank screen again.
4. Uplevel Your Interview Game (This Is a Whole Skill Set)
Getting the interview is just part of landing a job. Nailing the interview is a totally different skill set, one you can learn and practice.
Here’s how to truly prep like a pro in 2025:
✅ Practice out loud
Saying your answers in your head is not the same as practicing out loud. You need to get used to hearing yourself, refining your phrasing, and speaking with clarity.
✅ Schedule a “mock” with a friend
Ask someone to hop on a Zoom or phone call and throw common interview questions your way. Make it low-stakes, but keep it real.
✅ Record yourself
Use your phone, Zoom, or Loom to record yourself answering questions. Yes, it might feel awkward—but watching it back helps you catch filler words, tangents, or nervous habits. It’s one of the fastest ways to improve.
✅ Use AI-powered tools
LinkedIn’s Interview Prep tool or Google’s Interview Warmup are great for practicing common questions and getting feedback in a low-pressure way.
5. Keep Your Personal Brand Warm + Clear
Even if you’re not “posting content,” you should be leveraging LinkedIn for your job search. Hiring managers will look you up before (or after) deciding to move forward.
Here are quick ways to make a great impression:
- Make your headline show what you do and want (“Product Manager | Building inclusive, user-first experiences”)
- Write an “About” section that reflects your voice and values
- Share a post or two every few weeks to stay active and visible
You don’t need to go viral, just be findable, authentic, and aligned. Think of your profile as a digital handshake—it should tell your story and show you’re active in your industry.
6. Leveraging AI in Your Job Search
If you’re not using AI in your job search, you’re missing out! It’s more than just a shortcut, it can actually help you work smarter, not harder, throughout your job search. Here’s how you can tap into AI (specifically ChatGPT) to give yourself an edge:
- AI for Resumes & Cover Letters: Let’s be real—writing tailored resumes and cover letters for every job can be exhausting. Luckily, tools like ChatGPT can help you craft professional, customized documents quickly. Input the job description, paste your current resume, and watch AI generate a new personalized resume or cover letter that aligns with what employers are looking for. You can even make quick edits to fit specific roles, saving you tons of time.
- AI for Email Outreach: Sending follow-up emails or reaching out to hiring managers can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Use ChatGPT to easily draft a friendly, professional email that highlights your interest and qualifications—without stressing over how to word it. Whether you’re following up on an application or introducing yourself to a recruiter, AI can help you craft messages that stand out in a good way.
- Interview Prep with AI: Interview prep is about more than just rehearsing answers. It’s about tailoring your responses to fit the specific role you’re applying for. AI can generate interview-specific questions based on the job description so you can focus your practice on what really matters. Once you have those questions, you can rehearse your answers, tweak them for clarity, and build confidence so when the real interview comes, you’ll be ready to shine.
Using AI isn’t about taking shortcuts, it’s about working smarter to save time, stay organized, and approach your job search with confidence. And since you’re already using ChatGPT to help with your career, why not let it work for you in your job search too? It’s like having a personal assistant for your job hunt.
7. Use Manifestation For Your Dream Job (Because It’s Tough Out There!)
While effective strategies like applying early and reaching out to recruiters are essential, it’s also critical to cultivate the right mindset. Manifesting your dream job isn’t just about wishful thinking, it’s about clarity, confidence, and aligning your actions with your career goals. In today’s tough job market, where rejections are a common part of the process and some people find themselves job hunting for 1 to 2 years, a positive mindset can make all the difference.
By using manifestation to land your ideal role, you not only stay focused on your goals, but you also build the resilience needed to keep going even after facing setbacks. Rejections don’t have to be discouraging, they’re just stepping stones toward finding the right fit for you.
Want a Step-by-Step System for All This?
My on-demand job search course walks you through everything—from personal branding and storytelling to outreach scripts and interview prep. For a limited time, get it for just $37 (a $299 value)!
